Daily Current Affairs June 23 2023 | Latest News

 

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

PM Modi remains world’s most popular leader with 75% approval rating

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the world’s most popular leader with an approval rating of 75 percent.
• This was revealed in a Global Leader Apzproval Ratings released by a US-based consulting firm Morning Consult.
• Swiss President Alain Berset is second, followed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
• In the approval rating, US President Joe Biden is placed at the 8th position while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is at the 13 position among 22 world leaders.
• The latest approval ratings are based on data collected from the 7th to the 13th of this month.
• It is based on a seven-day moving average of adult residents in each country, with sample sizes varying by country.
• In the earlier rating too, Prime Minister Modi had topped the ranking.

Shri Narendra Singh Tomar launches PM Kisan Mobile App with face authentication feature

• Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the PM Kisan Mobile App with a face authentication feature.
• Through this App, remote farmers can do e-KYC by scanning their faces without OTP or fingerprint.
• Speaking on this occasion, Mr Tomar said that PM-Kisan is an innovative scheme whose benefits are being given by the central government to the farmers without any middlemen.
• He said, PM-Kisan is a very comprehensive and ambitious scheme of the Central Government and due to the support of States, the Centre is in a position to pay the instalment to about 8.5 crore farmers after the completion of their KYC.
• The Minister said, it has become possible to give benefits to such a large number of farmers only with the help of technology.
• PM Kisan is one of the world’s largest DBT schemes in which farmers get six thousand rupees directly transferred through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts in three instalments in a year.
• Two lakh 42 thousand crore rupees have been transferred to the accounts of more than 11 crore farmers till date.

Hon’ble Minister of Steel to inaugurate Silica Reduction Plant Project at SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant’s Dalli Mines

• Hon’ble Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, will virtually inaugurate from New Delhi, the Silica Reduction Plant at Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant’s Dalli Mines
• The iron ore reserves in the 60-year-old mines of SAIL-Bhilai Steel Plant’s Dalli and Rajhara group are depleting rapidly and study revealed the need to refine iron ore of size less than 1 mm to achieve the desired grade for effective usage in the Blast Furnace.
• The Silica Reduction Plant, with an investment of over ₹149 Crore, is aligned with the existing Crushing, Screening and Washing (CSW) wet plant at Dalli.
• This plant is equipped with state-of-the-art beneficiation equipment and aims to enhance the iron ore supplied to Bhilai Steel Plant, thereby increasing the annual production from the blast furnaces and reducing coke consumption & carbon emission.
• Under the leadership of Hon’ble Union Minister of Steel, the Steel Ministry is focused on promoting de-carbonization in the Indian steel industry and formulating a long-term roadmap for green steel production in collaboration with the steel industry.
• SAIL aligns itself with the national goal for carbon neutrality and the Silica Reduction Plant at Dalli-Rajhara Mines is a significant step in this direction.
• The project has been completed with the help of various state Govt. agencies, local administration and elected representatives.

Centre allocates 145 Crores rupees to Nagaland for the purpose of Unity Mall in Dimapur

• Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and Invest India in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland, and Press Information Bureau Kohima organized an ODOP Sampark event on the 21st of June 2023 at the Hotel Vivor, Kohima, Nagaland.
• The event was graced by the Smt. Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, DPIIT, Govt. of India, Shri R. Ramakrishnan, IAS, Development Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland and Shri Kekhrievor Kevichusa, Commissioner & Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Govt of Nagaland
• The event was organized to create awareness regarding the efforts of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt of India through its two flagship Initiative One District One Product (ODOP) and PM Gati Shakti (Logistics).
• Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, DPIIT, Govt. of India highlighted the efforts of DPIIT and Invest India in conducting a National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) Drive in Kohima, Nagaland for Chilli from Nagaland.
• The One District One Product Awards have been instituted by DPIIT to acknowledge the extraordinary work done by States/ UTs, Districts, and Indian Missions Abroad, for the economic development of the State and contribute towards the realization of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat through the ODOP approach.
• The Awards will be launched on 25th June 2023 in the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL 

IFFCO starts exporting world’s first Nano urea invented and manufactured indigenously in India to US

• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has started exporting the world’s first Nano urea invented and manufactured indigenously in India to the US.
• An agreement to export Nano urea was signed between IFFCO and Kapoor Enterprises Inc of California.
• It came amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to the US.
• The nano urea is a revolution in the agriculture sector as it has the potential to reduce storage space and money.
• A 500 ml bottle of IFFCO Nano Urea Liquid has the capacity to replace at least one bag of conventional Urea.
• Managing Director and CEO of IFFCO Dr. U S Awasthi said the Nano Urea has the capacity to reduce chemical fertiliser usage and to control air and water pollution as well as save soil.
• So far, India has sold more than 5.7 crore bottles in the country.

Prime Minister participates in “India and USA: Skilling for Future” event with FirstLady of USA

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and First Lady of USA Dr. Jill Biden participated in an event focused on “India and USA: Skilling for Future” at National Science Centre in Washington DC.
• The event focused on workforce redevelopment across higher education institutions to expand and enhance access to quality education across society.
• Prime Minister highlighted the numerous steps taken by India to promote education, skilling and innovation.
• He appreciated ongoing bilateral academic exchanges, and collaborations between Indian and US academic and research ecosystems.
• Prime Minister presented 5-point proposals for energising India-USA collaboration in education and research sector, as follows:
• Integrated approach bringing together government, industry and academia
• Encouraging exchange of Teachers & Students
• Organising Hackathons on various subjects between the two countries
• Mutual recognition of vocational skills qualifications
• Encouraging visits of people associated with education and research.
• The event was attended by the President of Northern Virginia Community College, President of Association of American Universities, President and CEO of Micron Technology, and students.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Bihar Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar  inaugurates L20 meet in Patna

• The Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurated the thematic event of the engagement group of L20 held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna
• Shri Hiranmay Pandaya ,Chair of the L20 meet, also while welcoming the delegations said that this is not only a proud occasion for Bihar but also for the rest of country and representatives of Labour department.
• He said that L20 will not only represent the voice of G 20 nations but also represent the voice of those nations whose representative are not present.
• Addressing the technical session of the conference, Mrs Aarti Ahuja, Secretary, Ministry of Labor and Employment discussed various measures taken by the government for social security in the country.
• Universal Social Security and its related draft were discussed during the technical session.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

GE Aerospace signs MoU with HAL to produce fighter jet engines for Indian Air Force

• US aerospace major, GE Aerospace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force.
• This major decision has come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on an official visit to the United States.
• According to the agreement, GE Aerospace’s F414 engines will be co-produced in the country to power the Indian Air Force’s Light Combat Aircraft Mk2.
• According to GE Aerospace, eight F414 engines have been delivered as part of an ongoing development programme for LCA Mk2.
• In addition, GE will continue to collaborate with the Indian Government on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft Mk2 engine programme.
• Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GE and CEO of GE Aerospace, H. Lawrence Culp termed this a historic agreement saying that it was made possible by a longstanding partnership with India and HAL.
• He said, the company is proud to play a role in advancing President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of closer coordination between the two nations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Defence Industries Showcases Cutting-Edge Capabilities to Thailand

• The Department of Defence Production, MoD organized a briefing and interaction meeting with the Thailand delegation led by Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Royal Thai Air force (RTAF) – Air Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha in New Delhi showcasing defense industries cutting-edge capabilities and fostering bilateral defense cooperation between two countries.
• The Indian Defense Industries presented their state-of-the-art defense capabilities to Thailand delegation marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral defense cooperation between the two nations.
• The event was aimed to deepen mutual understanding, explore potential partnerships, and contribute to the regional security
• During the event, both sides expressed their commitment to forging strong defense ties and exploring avenues for joint research, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships.
• The presentations and discussions would pave the way for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including defence research and development, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives.

India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) launched in Washington DC, U.S.

• India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an event in Washington DC, USA.
• The INDUS X event was co-organised by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Ministry of Defence, and US Department of Defence (DoD) and hosted by US-India Business Council (USIBC).
• Shri Anurag Bajpai, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion), MoD, led the Indian delegation in the two-day INDUS-X event
• Frank Kendall, US Secretary of the Air Force, gave the opening keynote address on 21 June at the INDUS-X event.
• Shri Anurag Bajpai, in his welcome remarks on “Investing in the Future of US-Indian Defence relations”, hailed the launch of iCET as a landmark event in India-US relationship.
• The Joint Secretary stressed on the co-development and co-production of advanced technologies by Indian and US start-ups.
• The Joint Secretary also gave an overview of the Make in India initiative, focussing on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the philosophy of “Make in India, for the world”.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurates Integrated Simulator Complex ‘Dhruv’ in Kochi to enhance practical training of Indian Navy personnel

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) ‘Dhruv’ at Southern Naval Command, Kochi
• The ISC ‘Dhruv’ hosts modern state-of-the-art indigenously-built simulators which will significantly enhance practical training in the Indian Navy.
• These simulators are envisaged to give real-time experience on navigation, fleet operations and Naval tactics.
• These simulators will also be utilised for training of personnel from friendly countries.
• Amongst the many simulators envisaged in the complex, the Raksha Mantri visited Multi-Station Handling Simulator (MSSHS), Air Direction and Helicopter Control
Simulator (ADHCS) and Astronavigation Dome.
• The Ship Handling Simulators produced by ARI Pvt Ltd, New Delhi have been exported to 18 countries.
• The Astronavigation Dome developed by Infovision Technologies Pvt Ltd is the first-of-its-kind in the Indian Navy.
• The ADHCS – developed by Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis, a DRDO laboratory – would be able to provide real-time operational environment scenario to trainees.
• These technologically advanced simulators are indicative of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and promise great defence export potential for the nation.
• Some of the other indigenously developed simulators in the Complex include Combat Management System and Maritime Domain Awareness Lab.
• During the inauguration, Shri Rajnath Singh also interacted with senior representatives from the firms involved in the development of these simulators.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

United Nations Public Service Day 2023: June 23

• The United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated on June 23 of every year to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector.
• By approving resolution 57/277 on December 20, 2002, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 23rd as United Nations Public Service Day.
• Every year, a host country is chosen to recognize contributions to the development and strengthening of government institutions and administration.
• A variety of events are held to honor the contributions of public officials. Several people take part in the discussion and have an equal opportunity to debate tactics, transformations, and novel ways, among other topics.
• On this day, diverse leaders, government officials, politicians, and international organizations assemble to discuss how to make changes, adopt better practices, address current concerns, and explore creative ideas, among other topics. Sustainable development goals at the national, international, and regional levels are a prominent issue of discussion.

International Olympic Day 2023: June 23

• Olympic Day Run or International Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23 all around the world.
• The theme for the Olympic Day 2023 is called “#LetsMove”
• The day embraces all through pure Olympic values.
• Venezuela, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Portugal, Greece, Austria, the United Kingdom, and Uruguay commemorated the first Olympic Day on June 23, 1948.
• The origins of Olympic Day can be traced back to 1948.
• In 1947, IOC members in Czechoslovakia presented Doctor Gruss with a report on commemorating Olympic Day.
• The study was delivered at the International Olympic Committee’s 41st Session in Stockholm, which was supposed to be a day dedicated to promoting the Olympic concept.
• The idea was approved in the IOC’s next session, which was held in St Moritz in January 1948.
• The National Olympic Committee picked June 23 to commemorate the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) formation on the same day in 1894.

International Widow’s Day 2023: June 23

• International Widow’s Day is observed all over the universe each year on the 23rd of June to draw attention to widows’ voices and experiences and galvanize the exceptional support they need.
• Widows had to immolate themselves on their late husband’s funeral pyre before 1827.
• In 2005, the Loomba Foundation established International Widow’s Day in honor of Loomba’s mother, who became a widow on June 23, 1954.
• Women in diverse countries, according to Loomba, had to fight for their basic wants and rights.
• They are ignored by all organizations, and societies have cursed them for the loss of their husband.
• Finally, the United Nations General Assembly recognized it on June 23, 2010.
• Children were withdrawn from school and abused because of their father’s death because of the widows.
• International Widow’s Day encourages people to support widows’ rights by emphasizing concerns such as abuse, prejudice, and poverty that women suffer.

Daily CA One- Liner: June 23

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the world’s most popular leader with an approval rating of 75 percent
• Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the PM Kisan Mobile App with a face authentication feature
• Hon’ble Union Minister for Steel and Civil Aviation, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, will virtually inaugurate from New Delhi, the Silica Reduction Plant at Steel Authority of India Limited’s (SAIL) Bhilai Steel Plant’s Dalli Mines
• Department for the Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and Invest India in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Nagaland, and Press Information Bureau Kohima organized an ODOP Sampark event on the 21st of June 2023 at the Hotel Vivor, Kohima, Nagaland
• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has started exporting the world’s first Nano urea invented and manufactured indigenously in India to the US
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and First Lady of USA Dr. Jill Biden participated in an event focused on “India and USA: Skilling for Future” at National Science Centre in Washington DC
• The Governor of Bihar Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar inaugurated the thematic event of the engagement group of L20 held at Gyan Bhawan in Patna
• US aerospace major, GE Aerospace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force
• The Department of Defence Production, MoD organized a briefing and interaction meeting with the Thailand delegation led by Deputy Chief of Air Staff, Royal Thai Air force (RTAF) – Air Marshal Piboon Vorravanpreecha in New Delhi showcasing defense industries cutting-edge capabilities and fostering bilateral defense cooperation between two countries
• India-United States Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X) was launched at an event in Washington DC, USA
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Integrated Simulator Complex (ISC) ‘Dhruv’ at Southern Naval Command, Kochi
• The United Nations Public Service Day is celebrated on June 23 of every year to celebrate the value and virtue of public service to the community; highlight the contribution of public service in the development process; recognize the work of public servants, and encourage young people to pursue careers in the public sector
• Olympic Day Run or International Olympic Day is celebrated on June 23 all around the world
• International Widow’s Day is observed all over the universe each year on the 23rd of June to draw attention to widows’ voices and experiences and galvanize the exceptional support they need